To me, the X-factor for the Nuggets will be the shooting of Steve Blake, JR Smith and Linas Kleiza. The Spurs are going to clog the paint, that's a given. They're going to double Carmelo every time he gets the ball in the post and they'll send extra defenders to cut off Iverson's lanes to the basket. It's going to be up to the aforementioned trio to knock down the open shots they're going to get when the Spurs defense collapses on Iverson & Anthony. If they can do that with some consistency, the Nuggets can make a series of it.

I don't think Smith sees much, if any, time in the playoffs. Baring major foul trouble, I think Karl wants to use a 7-man rotation.

I don't think Smith sees much, if any, time in the playoffs. Baring major foul trouble, I think Karl wants to use a 7-man rotation.

I think they're gonna have to use him. Parker & Ginobli are pretty adept at driving to the basket and drawing contact. Well, Ginobli's pretty good at making the officials believe there was contact anyway.

This is the same team (but better) that beat San Antonio on their own floor in game 7 last season. They arent afraid of jack, son. You can roll whoever you want out there.

The Warriors have won 5 straight, Nellie knows how to control Dirk, their short lineup will give them problems. This will go seven, I would not be surprised if the Warriors take it, they have played well since their trade. They will be caught looking ahead.

The Warriors have won 5 straight, Nellie knows how to control Dirk, their short lineup will give them problems. This will go seven, I would not be surprised if the Warriors take it, they have played well since their trade. They will be caught looking ahead.

The real Mavericks are going to roll out onto the floor starting this Sunday. The playoff Mavs that clinically took apart the Western Conference last season are better than they were last year.

I don't really like T-Mac either. I'm not sure what it is but he has always kinda bothered me. Maybe it's because he makes it look so easy out there (when he's healthy) and he almost looks lethargic during the game (right down to that silly, stoner look on his face all the time). I have no doubt he's playing his ass off, but when compared to Iverson, who because of his stature has to play with a reckless abandon, there is just something missing there.

Like Alec, I read the Simmons MVP article on ESPN.com, and I have to say I was really surprised to see what he wrote about T-Mac; to the point that I re-read it to check for sarcasm. I have never viewed him as much a defensive player and always thought he was kind of selfish out there. And sure, if you compare him to Vince Carter he's an angel, but who isn't?

Maybe I'm wrong, a homer, or whatever, but I would take Melo over him anyday (Anthony hasn't even hit his prime yet) and I think it's an absolute joke to even compare T-Mac to Iverson when he was in his prime (when AI's career is over he will be considered one of the top 25 players OAT).

I thought Nash was supposed to be able to raise the work production of every member of the franchise? If that's the case than it doesnt matter if Stoudemire is out there or not, right?

Now you're being a retard. He's the reason a team full of guards and small forwards went as far as they did in the first place last year. It's well known by everybody here you hate Nash but don't get all stupid on us now. How well would have Dallas played this year if Dirk missed the whole season and then take away somebody like Dampier for the last part of the season and where are the Mavs then? Take away Duncan and another post player for the Spurs and do they get the West finals? Point Made! This isn't about how good Nash is, it's about how much better the team is suited for a real playoff push with a low post force like Amare.

I hope Dirk goes down during the 1st game of the playoffs and misses the rest of the season and then maybe you might understand what I mean.

The real Mavericks are going to roll out onto the floor starting this Sunday. The playoff Mavs that clinically took apart the Western Conference last season are better than they were last year.

They chose the Warriors.

Dallas will win in 4 games.

Are you talking about the playoff Mavs that collapsed in the finals?

You're making a huge mental mistake if you think Golden State is gonna just lay down for a team they have rolled many times this season. They are getting on a real hot trend over the past month and they have some guys that can flat out score on anybody. They are fast, athletic and can shoot lights out. Matter of fact, I would rather play LA, Denver, Utah, Houston before Golden State. Damn straight.

Tim Duncan couldn't have picked a better time to whine before the playoffs. Not only the ref was suspended just before the season ended, the Nuggets are completely screwed in the 1st round in regards to officiating. Spurs win easily. And the refs will help the Spurs easily advance.

Tim Duncan couldn't have picked a better time to whine before the playoffs. Not only the ref was suspended just before the season ended, the Nuggets are completely screwed in the 1st round in regards to officiating. Spurs win easily. And the refs will help the Spurs easily advance.

The real Mavericks are going to roll out onto the floor starting this Sunday. The playoff Mavs that clinically took apart the Western Conference last season are better than they were last year.

They chose the Warriors.

Dallas will win in 4 games.

Well, if those were the REAL Mavericks who rolled out Sunday as you suggested then you are in real trouble my friend. Dallas in 4 games? Just as I said MR. all knowing basketball god, your team does not match up well against Golden State and you could be in some real trouble.

Oh - and I think I predicted the Spurs would be in the same spot as the Mavs right now and that Phoenix would win in 4. I hate being right.